| | Formed in 1635 by the Marquis de Calvisson, this Regiment was renamed Limousin in 1684. It becomes the 42nd Infantry in 1791. After several commanders, on February 5, 1792, the 42e came under the command of Charles François Maillard. On 16 October of the same year, it came under the command of Colonel William Ayrolles Laissac. Until the end of the year 1799 the regiment had nothing important to undertake, apart from the years 1796 to 1797, in which it was involved in the Italian campaign. After the Treaty of Campo Formio, they undertook the conquest of Egypt and the expedition, as well as operations in Championnet Italy, in the year 1798.
Later in its history, the 42e was incorporated into the Batavian army. She was successively part of the 3rd Division, then the second, the Centre Division and finally, the right wing, the first Division. The end of 1799 was busy for the 42e. Northern Holland became the scene of many battles against the Anglo-Russians, who landed in the Den Helder under the command of the Duke of York. The 42e Régiment d'Infanterie de Ligne saw glorious success in these campaigns and helped to free the Batavian territory. The campaign in Germany, which started in 1800, was no less glorious for the 42e. Detached from the Batavian Army after the departure of the Anglo-Russians, it is directed into the Army of the Rhine under the command of Moreau. The 42e took part in almost all the battles fought against the Austrian Army, and was placed in the 1st Corps of the center under orders of Gouvion Saint-Cyr, and part of Laroche the 1st Division and the 3rd Division (2nd in Nafziger) General Tharreau.
Fast forward towards the end of the Napoleonic wars, the 42e Régiment d'Infanterie de Ligne had been involved in multiple campaigns across Europe with Napoleon. These campaigns included Spain, Italy, Naples, Portugal and Catalonia. On his return from Elba, Napoleon reverted all regiments to their old name, so the 39th took the name of the 42nd during the hundred days. Colonel Rubillon resumed command of the 42th, to receive an eagle and a flag in 1815 (in fact, not given to Bourges). During this period, the Regiment was part of the 23rd Division, 7th Corps, under the command of Marshal Suchet. The 42e did not take part in the great struggle which decided the climax of Waterloo on June 18, the fate of France, but fought the Austrian forces valiantly and advantageously, thanks to the skill and energy of the Duke of Albufera. | |